Alliant Energy files rate increase request with Iowa Utility Board

Alliant Energy's Iowa electric utility is asking the Iowa Utilities Board to approve an increase in electrical rates starting January 1st of 2020.

The overall increase being requested for all customer classes combined is 11.7 percent, which would bring in approximately $203.6 million in additional yearly revenues for Alliant in Iowa.  The utility says the average residential customer would see an increase of 24.45 percent in their monthly bill, increasing from $82.31 a month to $102.44 a month.

Alliant says it will implement an interim rate increase starting April 1st of this year averaging 5.5 percent on all its Iowa customers, as allowed by Iowa law.  If the Iowa Utility Board approves a lower increase, the difference will be refunded to Alliant customers.

Alliant Energy Iowa president Terry Kouba said the rate increase is necessary to help pay for the utility's investment in renewable energy projects: "Our investments in wind energy will bring long-term benefits to Iowa.  Beyond being renewable, wind energy delivers lower fuel costs for customers, property taxes to communities and lease payments to landowners."

The Iowa Utility Board must return a decision on the proposed rate increases within 10 months of the filing, so it will rule by December 31st of this year.  In addition to setting rates, the Utility Board will also determine when final rates will become effective.

The Alliant rate increase proposal is available on the IUB's electronic filing system under Docket No. RPU-2019-0001 for electric and RPU-2019-0002 for natural gas. Copies of the customer notice and other information is available at www.alliantenergy.com/iowarates.  Comments about the rate increase proposal can be e-mailed to the Iowa Utility Board at customer@iub.iowa.gov.